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Big interest in Big Science Competition On September 1 secondary school students from across the Asia-Pacific region participated in the Rio Tinto Big Science Competition. ACER developed a Junior, Intermediate and Senior level science test for the competition and is currently analysing the results. The one hour competition was open to secondary students of all abilities and ages, and tested their science knowledge and understanding. To align the tests to the emerging Australian Science Curriculum, ACER based the questions on contemporary science issues such as car safety, environmental issues and dental health. The questions assess critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and knowledge of science concepts and the methods of scientific inquiry. ACER has designed the tests in a way that allows all students some success. The final questions in each test are more challenging, in order to identify those highly-talented students who are the ‘best of the best’. When the test results are released in October, teachers will receive a comprehensive report showing how each student performed on each question, and how the school group performed against the national or regional average. A National Presentation Ceremony for this year’s top-scoring students will also be held in October. All participating students will receive a certificate to recognise their achievement in the competition. The Rio Tinto Big Science Competition regularly attracts the participation of around 40 000 students from Australia and neighbouring countries. The competition has been held annually since 2005 however this is the first time that ACER has had contracted involvement. The Rio Tinto Big Science Competition is organised by fellow not-for-profit organisation, Australian Science Innovations, whose aim is to encourage students to study science and consider science-based careers. For more information on the Big Science Competition go to http://www.asi.edu.au/bigscience/ « Back to eNews
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On September 1 secondary school students from across the Asia-Pacific region participated in the Rio Tinto Big Science Competition.

ACER developed a Junior, Intermediate and Senior level science test for the competition and is currently analysing the results.

The one hour competition was open to secondary students of all abilities and ages, and tested their science knowledge and understanding.

To align the tests to the emerging Australian Science Curriculum, ACER based the questions on contemporary science issues such as car safety, environmental issues and dental health.

The questions assess critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and knowledge of science concepts and the methods of scientific inquiry.

ACER has designed the tests in a way that allows all students some success.

The final questions in each test are more challenging, in order to identify those highly-talented students who are the ‘best of the best’.

When the test results are released in October, teachers will receive a comprehensive report showing how each student performed on each question, and how the school group performed against the national or regional average.

A National Presentation Ceremony for this year’s top-scoring students will also be held in October.

All participating students will receive a certificate to recognise their achievement in the competition.

The Rio Tinto Big Science Competition regularly attracts the participation of around 40 000 students from Australia and neighbouring countries.

The competition has been held annually since 2005 however this is the first time that ACER has had contracted involvement.

The Rio Tinto Big Science Competition is organised by fellow not-for-profit organisation, Australian Science Innovations, whose aim is to encourage students to study science and consider science-based careers.

For more information on the Big Science Competition go to http://www.asi.edu.au/bigscience/

Big interest in Big Science Competition